Soccer players from Japan forging relationships with Los Angeles' Japanese-American populace
Celebrating the Rise of Japanese Soccer Stars in Southern California
Growing up in Southern California as a Japanese American, Saki Watanabe yearned for a soccer hero who resembled her. With a plethora of role models in various fields, there was no shortage of inspiration, but one was missing – a female soccer player.
"Back in the day, it was like American soccer wasn't meant for Japanese girls," Watanabe shared, a former college player and coach. Fortunately, that perception is now a thing of the past.
With the advent of Angel City FC in the NWSL in 2022, Japanese international Jun Endo graced the starting lineup of their inaugural league game, scoring the second goal in franchise history. Today, Angel City boasts three Japanese players, the most in the league, while the LA Galaxy clinched the MLS Cup last winter with two Japanese players playing pivotal roles.
Empowering a New Generation
As Shohei Ohtani, the renowned Dodgers player, elevates the profile of Japanese athletes in Southern California, soccer players are eager to make their mark in this vibrant community.
"It's a huge responsibility to be in a position where people look up to you," Miyabi Moriya, an Angel City defender and World Cup and Olympic veteran, explained through Watanabe's translation. "I'm grateful to be in a position where I can inspire Japanese players in the U.S. to play soccer."
AV Alta: A New Beacon
The success and strong fan support for AV Alta, a new USL League One club, serve as testament to the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for soccer in America. As fans like Thomas Honda's young daughter, clad in an oversize Galaxy jersey, glean inspiration from the presence of Japanese players, a bright future for soccer in the region appears within reach.
"It's important for my daughter to see Japanese representation," Honda, the Galaxy's finance director, emphasized. "For her, it's even more relatable."
Embracing the Dream
Decades ago, it was a rarity for Japanese players to take the field for L.A. teams. Akira Kaji, a defender who joined the Chivas USA halfway through its final season, marked the beginning of this exceptional journey. Nonetheless, it was Jun Endo, a free-spirited, vivacious player, who truly captured the hearts of Southern California fans as the first truly influential Japanese player on the local scene.
Her tireless work ethic, radiant personality, and love for unique hair colors made her a fan favorite. Despite being sidelined due to injury, her popularity persists, with more Japanese fans reaching out to her postgame.
"When I was a kid, I believed that if I saw it, I could do it," Endo reflected. "Now I want to inspire kids because I love being a role model."
Koreatown Seniors Make Playoff Magic with Harmonica National Anthem
The Los Angeles Kings have commenced their Stanley Cup playoffs with a perfect 2-0 record, evoking questions about the connection between their success and the harmonica performances of the Koreatown Senior and Community Center during the national anthem.
Expanding Opportunities
In a world where inclusivity and representation play essential roles, it's heartening to see Japanese soccer players thrive in the competitive landscape of Southern California. With trailblazers like Jun Endo and Miki Yamane leading the way, the future of soccer for their younger peers is undoubtedly mind-blowing and brimming with boundless potential.
- With the rise of Japanese soccer stars in Southern California, the region now offers a chance for young Japanese players to see their cultural peers excel on the field.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, a renowned player, has significantly elevated the profile of Japanese athletes in the area, creating a more inclusive environment for soccer players to thrive.
- In the world of business, California's finance industry continues to tap into the potential of Japanese soccer players, such as Miki Yamane, who are making their mark in local sports.
- As Angel City FC embraces its three Japanese players in their NWSL league, the club's connection to Hollywood culture can potentially translate into exclusive autograph sessions for fans, perhaps even in places like Los Angeles' famous Japanese American National Museum.
- If soccer continues to gain popularity in Southern California, it's likely that the sport might also impact other aspects of the region's significant sports scene, such as football and soccer, altering their fan dynamics and perhaps even compelling the Dodgers to consider more Japanese players in their lineup for the 2022 season.
- As the Dodgers juggle their baseball business with the rise of Japanese soccer stars in the area, they might even consider collaborative events that merge the two worlds, like a sports festival showcasing both Dodgers autograph sessions and soccer games featuring local Japanese players.
- Amidst the cultural resurgence of Korean and Japanese influences in Los Angeles, it might be exciting to imagine soccer teams Bearstooth FC and AV Alta involving themselves in community events related to Korean music, dance, or festivals, establishing stronger connections between their clubs and the diverse population they serve.
- In a not-so-distant future, Angel City FC players, such as Miyabi Moriya and Jun Endo, might even share the spotlight with celebrities like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, both known for their philanthropic efforts in California, who could support soccer-related causes, further expanding opportunities for youth and underrepresented communities in the field of sports.
